2018 Review
So 2018 was a very interesting year for me, though I did not make much progress as far as the goals I had intended. I didn't think it was a particularly great year, I feel like I'm not in great health/shape and I didn't complete most of my travel itinerary.
However, I think a lot of that is because of good things: I did start a new job at Marvel Entertainment, so towards the later half of the year I spent a little more time at work, a little less time at the gym, and of course I didn't want to jump into taking vacation time. Looking back though, I did some interesting things. I went for a hypnosis session just before leaving CBS to get some of my anxiety under control which I think went very well, I started seeing a chiropractor and also began doing electrolysis finally. Gary and I went to Florida twice this year, each time for a Rangers/Panthers game (and they won in a shoot out both times!) and once for Gary's first trip to Disney World. We also went to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas, Quebec City for the Winter Festival, and Gary's first WrestleMania in New Orleans. I even was able to get Gary to hike up Mt. Osceola, at 4,314 feet. We saw Billy Joel live at MSG which was amazing and something I've always wanted to see, and I capped off the year by hosting my friends' annual Christmas party, and I think it went quite well!
So, on to the official evaluation...
1. Paint 2 new 'James' paintings by the end of the year...
---> Eh. I painted one. And it was a weird abstract one. I still would like to paint more, and continue with the 'James' art show, I think I just need a bit more "me" time to really complete it the way I want to. It's something I should not rush.
Rating: 2 out of 5
2. Finish painting the kitchen and windows before the summer.
--> Fail. I did get the contractor to come over, and we worked out a plan. I even taped off the entire area and removed all the paint from the bottom part of the bay window. However, there was A LOT more work involved than just painting it, which was original goal. The wood is warped and needs to be replaced. I still have to buy some bead board and sand down all of the wood since it's in terrible shape. This is why I contacted the contractor... however, I contacted him in July, and he has been very busy. So nothing has gotten done.
Rating: 2 out of 5
3. Take at least 5 3D animation classes on Lynda by the end of the year.
--> Also fail. I started the new job at Marvel, and there is no Lynda account. I also had no time while learning the ropes of the new job to do some self teaching. I did however learn the new Adobe XD program (which is AMAZING), and I did take a quick tutorial with After Effects to produce a prototype video... but that is all. Still, I think at least attempting these new applications is something.
Rating: 3 out of 5
4. Try at least 2 classes in either Ballet or Aerial Silks before the end of the fall.
--> Serious fail. I have no excuse for this one other than fear of doing things alone. I had plenty of time, but I kept holding off until someone would go with me.
Rating: 0 out of 5
5. Finish bartenders license course/test before summer ends.
--> Also serious fail. Plenty of time for this one, and just laziness. I will eventually do this.
Rating: 0 out of 5
6. Replace the living room floor by the end of the year.
--> So similar to #2, I started this one, but could not finish without my contractor. It's somewhat out of my hands. I did buy all the materials and get the evaluation, but he's just been busy.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Overall Rating: 1.6
Ouch. So it looks bad. But really, if I look back at it all, it was pretty great. I experienced a few new and unique things that I never thought I would be able to. I have a lot of photographs and memories that I did not before. 2019 I need to focus more on my health, and really follow through on my home projects, but I was pretty happy with what I did with my time in 2018.
Happy New Year, y'all.